Hi all, Im looking to purchase a 650 and was wondering what the difference is between the 03 04 05 models. The dealers have all year models available with 0 miles. the only thing is the price. the older the model the cheaper it is. What changes were made to the 650 during those 3 years. Thanks .... Jack
650 03' 04' 05'
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See this thread for changes from '03 to '04. We don't know for sure about the '05 yet, but it is rumored to have overdrive.
Burgman 650 changes
Burgman 650 changes
Jack from NYC
My name is Jack and im 39. I live in New York City. I havent ridden in at least 15 years and im getting the itch again. Ive been riding dirt bikes since i was a kid and then had a few bullet bikes and 2 harleys. I stopped riding after I got cutoff by an illegal U Turn from a parking space with no warning by some old lady. I was going to get another Harley but I dont think I want to be so Extreme. I was even contemplating getting both if the mrs. would let, but from what i see here i may be happy with this scooter. Great Forum!
My name is Jack and im 39. I live in New York City. I havent ridden in at least 15 years and im getting the itch again. Ive been riding dirt bikes since i was a kid and then had a few bullet bikes and 2 harleys. I stopped riding after I got cutoff by an illegal U Turn from a parking space with no warning by some old lady. I was going to get another Harley but I dont think I want to be so Extreme. I was even contemplating getting both if the mrs. would let, but from what i see here i may be happy with this scooter. Great Forum!
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Jack, I don't think you'll regret buying a Burgman. It's definitely a fun bike! 
I'll take fun over status any day!
I'll take fun over status any day!
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Jack,
Welcome to Burgman USA. There were minor upgrades from '03 to '04. Details are in the thread I previously provided. The overdrive on the '05 will be nice, if it actually comes through on the US models. But I love riding my '03. I'd think that if the price is right, you'd be happy with either an '03 or an '04. The issue is resale of course. You would certainly want more than a token discount if you buy a leftover. These are very versatile machines, and they are a lot of fun to ride. And, there is this forum - which makes owning a Burgman even more fun!
Welcome to Burgman USA. There were minor upgrades from '03 to '04. Details are in the thread I previously provided. The overdrive on the '05 will be nice, if it actually comes through on the US models. But I love riding my '03. I'd think that if the price is right, you'd be happy with either an '03 or an '04. The issue is resale of course. You would certainly want more than a token discount if you buy a leftover. These are very versatile machines, and they are a lot of fun to ride. And, there is this forum - which makes owning a Burgman even more fun!
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AMEN to that!
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Welcome to the BurgmanUSA forums Jack. Glad to have you join us. The Burgman is a great 'get back on the road' machine. It was my first choice after being away from riding for 16 years. Even though you have (like I did) years of ridong experience, I highly suggest taking the MSF rider course to refresh your skills. I consider it a worthwhile investment in time and money. Sure ... a lot of it will be old stuff to you. But you'll probably pick an item or 2 you've forgotten or didn't know.
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It also depends on what effect the final drive has on overall ratio. To have overdrive, you'd need the overall ratio to be less than 1:1. At higher cruising speeds, the current Burgman 650 does not have the relaxed rpm rate that it should have with overdrive. It sure doesn't feel like an overdrive to me - and the severe drop in mileage at cruise speeds of 80 mph does not correspond with overdrive.Wes said:
I just came from the deal who will have delivery of an 05 in 2 weeks. minor changer like , yes overdrive, the turn signal lenses are white now and the color of the instrumentation . Id like to get an 05 and he will give it over for $6,500. or i can buy a new 03 for $4,700 and just change the turn lenses to white.. hmmm decisions decisions...
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I really don't think so. You'd need the specs for an '05 too in order to see if they are different. And Suzuki is promoting "Overdrive" as a new feature. So I'm thinking something has changed, probably involving even taller gearing under certain conditions.Wes said:
On my V-Strom, both 5th & 6th gears are technically overdrives. 6th gear is of no use below 70 mph. But at 75 or 80 mph in 6th, the engine is spinning 1300 rpm slower than the Burgman's engine at that speed - and the 1000cc V-Strom gets better mileage than the 650cc Burgman at those speeds. The current Burgman is like the V-Strom in 5th - the '05 might be getting the cvt equivalent of that V-Strom 6th gear. We will know pretty soon.
I think the NYC dealers may get it in earlier than the others. Also I cant understand why an 05 would come out after jan05 by 3 months. I have another dilema guys. I was originally going to purchase a harley road king and buy a burg 650 as a second scooter. my wife now advised me she will not let me have two. what do i do
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So, what kind of answer are you expecting from this forum? :lol:CJM said:
Seriously, the Burgman is a more versatile machine at a bunch less money. If you are buying something to ride a lot - buy the Burgman. If you need to pose - consider the Harley. Truth is though, the Burgman attracts attention at road stops more than any motorcycle I've owned.
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